Itchy skin on the legs is a periodic disease. Most often, burning and irritation bother the patient in the evening. Due to itching in a person, the normal functioning of the nervous system and the appearance of the epidermis are disrupted. It is advisable to contact a qualified specialist immediately after detecting unpleasant symptoms. This will help you quickly get rid of the disease.
In this article, we will explain in detail how to diagnose itchy feet, as well as the causes, treatment and prevention.
In most cases, itchy feet are due to various diseases. To implement therapeutic measures, it is necessary to conduct an examination and make an accurate diagnosis. This will help identify the cause of itching and eliminate it. Lack of treatment leads to decreased motor functions and severe damage to the epidermis.
Diseases that cause itchy skin on the feet:
The development of itching can be influenced not only by disease, but also by other factors. Physiological causes are much easier and faster to eliminate than pathological ones. Despite this, it is still worth seeing a doctor for help.
If your feet itch for a long time, household chemicals may be the cause. Excessive use of aggressive cleansers and cosmetics leads to dryness and flaking of the skin. Over time, small cracks and spots appear on the epidermis.
Also, itching of the lower extremities may appear for the following reasons:
Physiological factors can be eliminated using traditional medicine, but before doing this, you must consult your doctor.
If you experience itchy skin on your legs, do not put off visiting a dermatologist. It is advisable to seek medical help immediately after you notice unpleasant symptoms.
The patient is examined according to the following plan:
These tests and laboratory tests help determine blood sugar levels, as well as identify disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract and endocrine system.
Treatment for itching of the lower extremities is carried out based on the cause of the disease. The most common treatment methods are:
Therapy is individual for each patient. It is prescribed after receiving test results.
This treatment method has certain limitations. For example, patients who have tumors or serious liver and kidney diseases should not undergo physical therapy. To eliminate unpleasant symptoms (if the leg itches, there is a burning sensation), the following methods are used:
Patients with diabetes, varicose veins or psoriasis achieve a positive effect in a short time.
Most often, doctors prescribe their patients to take medications for itching. They can eliminate swelling, rash and redness. If a patient's legs constantly itch, he is prescribed glucocorticoids (hormonal drugs). The drug affects all cells that cause itching. On average, treatment lasts no more than a week. However, glucocorticoids are prescribed to patients only in severe cases, as they cause many side effects. For example, the drugs “Descametozone” or “Prednisolone” are taken for no more than one week and under the strict supervision of the attending physician.
The most commonly prescribed drugs are antihistamines. They stop the development of itchy skin on the legs and help improve the patient’s condition. A few hours after taking the pills, you can already notice the result. The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the itching. Also, antihistamines have much fewer contraindications and side effects than glucocorticoids. You can purchase them at any pharmacy without a doctor's prescription.
Most often, after taking antihistamines, the patient feels drowsiness and decreased performance. Rare side effects include nausea, vomiting, dizziness and migraine.
Antihistamines are divided into several types:
To treat skin diseases, ointments, creams and lotions that have an anti-inflammatory effect (Sinaflan, Mesoderm) are often used. They eliminate itching, redness, swelling and fight skin flaking.
Sometimes the cause of itching is: stress, depression and anxiety. In this case, in addition to taking medications, you need to visit a psychotherapist. It will help the patient cope with emotional problems.
It is easier to prevent any disease than to treat it later. Doctors recommend using the following measures to prevent itchy feet:
By following the above rules, you can avoid the occurrence of itching of the lower extremities. Remember that people who lead a healthy lifestyle are less likely to develop various diseases.
When trying to determine the cause of skin irritation, it is important to distinguish between itching, pain and tingling. Itching can have a number of causes. The pain may be due to injury and the tingling may have neurological causes.
Below are some of the main causes of itchy feet. Most of them can be dealt with at home, but if the itching recurs periodically, consult a doctor.
If your feet are itchy, it's more than likely due to dryness or some other mild irritant. Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following:
Otherwise, read on for the 12 most common reasons.
This is one of the most common causes, but it is usually temporary discomfort.
Naturally, dry skin often itches. Dry skin can be controlled by environmental factors. This is usually temporary and appears in response to a dry, hot environment. Tough, dry skin is divided into a number of inherited diseases called ichthyosis.
Skin becomes excessively dry when it loses its natural oils. Showering too often and using too much soap can lead to this. Other causes include dehydration, swimming, dry or cold weather and heating systems, excessive sun exposure and the use of soaps containing fragrances and dyes. There are inherited conditions, including hypothyroidism and Sjögren's syndrome, that can lead to very dry skin. As we age, our skin becomes dry, so itching is a common problem for older people.
Follicular keratosis on the arm.
These are not the same chills that people experience when they are cold. With this rash, hair follicles on the thighs or elsewhere (usually on the upper arms) of the skin thicken and develop into itchy patches. The condition, medically known as keratosis pilaris, appears as goosebumps that are red or brown in color.
As a result of the build-up of keratin, keratosis pilaris appears. It is hereditary but usually disappears before the age of 30.
Keratosis pilaris bumps can be treated so that they disappear, but they almost always appear again. Dryness can make the condition worse.
Creams containing alpha hydroxy acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, or urea can help both moisturize the skin and loosen dead skin cells to help unclog hair follicles.
Folliculitis or infected hair follicle.
With folliculitis, the hair follicles on the skin become infected. The resulting bumps are usually red and constantly itchy. They can also be painful and may be filled with pus. They appear on the thighs or buttocks, often in athletes who wear tight sportswear.
This rash is usually caused by the staph bacteria (staph infection).
With proper hygiene, the lesions should heal on their own within a few days.
If the rash persists, antibacterial soap or ointment (containing the antibiotic mupirocin) may help.
For common infections, oral antibiotics may be the most effective treatment.
When we take a long break from exercise and then go for a run, we may notice intense itching in our legs below the knees and in our abdomen. This condition is called Runner's Itch and affects the thighs and calves the most.
Runner's itch occurs when arteries and capillaries become weakened due to inactivity and then become active again during exercise. Opened blood vessels can irritate the nerves adjacent to the capillaries.
Symptoms should dissipate with muscle exertion.
Acne vulgaris, in this case on the arm, can also appear on the thighs or buttocks.
Blackheads are a collection of random pimples of whiteheads or comedones. They may appear on the thighs or buttocks and may not necessarily be itchy.
Acne breakouts can occur due to poor hygiene, psychological stress or an inappropriate diet.
Increasing your exercise and water intake, as well as eating moderately or completely eliminating fatty foods, will help get rid of acne.
Reaction after contact with coniferous wood
Cholinergic urticaria or urticaria appears as a bumpy rash on the thighs, upper torso or arms and can be caused by a number of different events and activities. Typically caused by sweating, hives can occur after exercising, swimming, being in a hot environment, or even during emotional reactions such as excitement, shock, laughter, and stress. The rash may appear a few minutes after you start running or shortly after taking a hot shower and may be very itchy for 30 to 120 minutes.
The lesions are believed to be caused by an allergic reaction to one's own sweat.
Avoid working in hot weather and stop working if itching occurs. If possible, do not scratch. Scratching worsens the itching. Antihistamines taken at least 30 minutes before showering or exercising may help.
If your skin loses too much of its natural lubrication during bathing, it can become itchy and dry.
Too often hot showers and excessive use of soap, which strip the skin's protective oils and oils.
Try using warm water rather than hot. Use soap sparingly.
Fungal ringworm is a rash similar to tinea groin.
Ringworm, also known as tinea groin, is a fungal infection of the skin. This condition most often affects the inner thighs, genitals, or buttocks. This itching appears as a broad red or brown itchy rash.
Moisture and heat stimulate the growth of the fungus.
Treatment and prevention at home
Antifungal ointments or, in some cases, antifungal medications
Sweating in the groin area should be avoided (light and comfortable clothing should be worn) and washing with antifungal soap
When sweat and dust dry directly on the skin, they are destroyed by bacteria and can irritate nerve endings. Heat and friction from clothing and socks can make this sensation worse.
Swim regularly. Try using warm water and mild soap rather than hot water to avoid removing the protective oil layer from the skin.
This fancy term describes the itch that comes from wearing new, unwashed pants or trousers.
Cause: Irritants in unwashed fabric.
Treatment and prevention: Bath and wash your clothes.
Eczema is a group of components that lead to inflammation and irritation of the skin. Almost 20 percent of children suffer from eczema, but most eczema goes away after the child turns 10 years old.
It is not known what causes eczema, but it is thought to be an overactive immune response to irritants.
If left untreated, itchy eczema can become infected. Lotions and creams applied when the skin is damp can help the skin retain moisture. Cold compresses also relieve itching. Hydrocortisone (1%) cream or prescription steroid creams and ointments may also be prescribed to relieve inflammation.
Eczema appears as a rough, reddish or purple swelling and causes itchy skin on the lower legs. It is most common in cases where there are circulatory problems, including varicose veins, vein thrombosis or other blood vessel diseases.
Inflammation from circulatory disorders allows fluid to accumulate in the skin. Leakage of fluid from the veins into other tissues causes irritation.
Corticosteroids, including hydrocortisone, may help treat the rash.
Wearing compression stockings can help prevent this condition.
Wool and other fabrics can irritate your legs and feet.
Certain fabrics, such as wool, can sometimes irritate your feet when wearing pants or socks.
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies that may be associated with generalized itching: iron deficiency (anemia), vitamin C deficiency (scorbut), deficiency of one or more B-complex vitamins, and rarely, vitamin A or K deficiency. Note: if you have If you have normal blood levels of these nutrients, it is unlikely that dietary supplements will help reduce itching.
Soaps, shampoos, lotions, creams or other cosmetics can cause skin irritation or contact dermatitis.
Allergies of any kind can cause itching, which can affect the legs below the knees. Typical symptoms include a bumpy or patchy, red, swollen rash (hives) or a rougher, scaly rash (contact allergy eczema).
Wet feet from wearing boots or waterproof shoes for long periods of time can allow fungus to develop between the toes, which can lead to severe itching.
Prolonged sitting, standing or walking can cause blood to pool in the veins of the legs, which can cause itching and discomfort in the lower legs, especially in people with varicose veins.
A few mosquito bites on your leg that you scratched vigorously will probably become inflamed.
Mosquito and other insect bites can cause local redness and itching that usually goes away within a few hours or a few days.
Edema of the legs of any etiology (heart, liver or kidneys, venous thrombosis, elephantiasis) can be associated with itching.
Liver disease, clogged bile ducts, kidney disease and phosphate levels in the blood can cause itchy skin. Many people know this from experience with hemodialysis.
Contact with nettles causes a burning sensation, redness and swelling, which then itch for many hours.
Small cuts and scrapes can cause itching while you use ointments for treatment.
This syndrome, as a neurological disorder, mainly affects more women than men. The sensations are more like tingling than itching, which gives the desire to move the legs. These sensations come when the legs are at rest, especially at night, and often make sleep difficult and sometimes impossible for quite a long time during the night.
It's still not clear exactly what causes restless legs syndrome, but it is a neurological rather than a dermatological condition. Magnesium or iron deficiencies can cause this syndrome.
Movement and eliminating caffeine and alcohol from the diet may help relieve symptoms of this syndrome.
Irritated, itchy skin below the knees can range from mildly uncomfortable to downright devastating. Constant itching can lead to constant scratching, which can damage the skin. Skin that itches in one area has many causes, from dry skin to dermatitis, and the affected area may appear normal or appear red, damaged and rough. Since itchy skin can be very annoying, it is important for sufferers to understand what conditions can cause it and how it can be treated.
Itchy skin below the knee area can create an uncomfortable feeling. The itching sensation may be localized just below the knee, but it can also spread to other parts of the body. This can make daily activities difficult, especially if the itching is severe and lasts longer than six weeks. Long-term itching such as this is called chronic itching.
Dry skin is a common cause of itchy skin that is not accompanied by a rash. Loss of moisture due to dry air, especially in winter, can cause skin itching, cracking or peeling. Other common causes include eczema, psoriasis, impetigo, hives, aging skin and contact irritants such as soap, chemicals or wool. Parasitic infestations such as lice or scabies can also cause severe itching on the body. Internal disorders, such as liver or kidney disease, usually affect the entire body rather than one localized area.
For the most part, treatment can be done at home. A cold compress applied to the skin below the knees may relieve symptoms. Wear loose, light clothing, especially at night, and avoid rough fabrics such as wool. Apply moisturizer to your skin year-round, especially in winter, to reduce dry skin. Apply hydrocortisone cream to itchy areas or try an over-the-counter antihistamine if the itching is due to allergies.
Additionally, lotions that contain camphor, calamine, or pramoxine may also help. For severe or persistent itching, consult your doctor to determine the exact cause. The doctor may also suggest a prescription antihistamine, opioid receptor antagonist drug, or corticosteroid.
Even though there are many conditions that can cause itchy skin, there are many ways to prevent it. A person suffering from itchy skin should only douse himself or take a bath in warm or cool water. Hot water can strip your skin of moisture. It is also important to rinse off all soap after finishing bathing. Soaps and cleansers should be gentle and have a low pH level.
Constant scratching can lead to increased itching. Left untreated, it can cause a condition called neurodermatitis. This leads to the often scratched areas of the skin becoming inflamed. The affected area may appear darker or redder than the surrounding skin. Additionally, repeated scratching behind the knee can cause permanent scarring, hyperpigmentation of the skin, or even a bacterial infection.
Such an unpleasant phenomenon as itchy skin between the toes and on the legs themselves is a fairly common “syndrome” that causes a lot of inconvenience. The discomfort caused by itching constantly focuses attention on the affected area and deprives a person of the opportunity to live a normal life. In addition to itching, redness and irritation appear on the skin.
In most cases, it is not a separate disease, but indicates the presence of some disease or nervous disorder. However, itching is often worse tolerated than even the disease itself that caused it. What can cause it and how to behave when such a symptom appears? How to cure itching between your toes?
Often itching on the legs is far from the only symptom, and if you think carefully and compare everything, a clear picture of what is happening can emerge. The first thing that needs to be ruled out when searching for the cause of itching on the feet and between the toes is the possibility of developing an allergic reaction to something.
This may be food that has recently been consumed in large quantities; in this case, most often such a reaction is caused by sweet or low-quality food in the “company” of an upset stomach. Also, allergic rashes on the top of the foot and the accompanying itching can be caused by tights or socks.
Another common cause of itching is a lack of vitamins in the winter-spring period and dehydration of the skin due to non-compliance with the drinking regime. Such itching and dryness can result from too frequent epilation or shaving of the legs, as well as the use of low-quality products before and after the hair removal procedure in one way or another. Even hard tap water can cause itchy feet.
As for diseases that can cause itching on the legs and feet, among the most likely “culprits” of this phenomenon are:
If your feet itch only in the area of the feet and there is severe itching between the toes, then most likely it is a fungal infection. If obvious acne appears on your legs, you may suspect that you were simply bitten by insects.
The first thing to do when itching of any origin appears is to try not to scratch these places and visit a doctor as soon as possible. Scratching will not only aggravate the situation, significantly worsening the condition of the skin by causing even more redness of the skin on the legs and peeling, but can also lead to infection.
In some cases, a contrast shower helps get rid of severe itching, but it is only a way to temporarily relieve the condition.
To ensure that itching, irritation and flaking of the skin do not become your constant companions and do not lead to the development of more severe conditions, the first thing you need to do is find out the exact cause of its origin, that is, seek help from a specialist. You need to visit a doctor, take all the necessary tests and undergo an examination. The effectiveness of the prescribed treatment for itching of the feet will depend on the correctness and comprehensiveness of the diagnosis.
If the cause is an allergic reaction, they resort to the use of oral antihistamines and external agents, namely gels, creams and ointments containing glucocorticoids. Any additional therapeutic measures, for example, herbal baths or compresses, must be agreed upon with your doctor. In addition, it is important to exclude further contact with the allergen or its consumption in food, otherwise the effect of treatment will be insignificant.
If an infectious or fungal skin lesion is detected, one cannot do without the use of special antimycotic, antibacterial and antiparasitic agents. In this case, the diagnosis is clarified using special tests, and treatment is prescribed by a dermatologist.
It is important to strictly follow all the doctor’s recommendations, do not interrupt the course of treatment on your own and do not change the dose of the drug, otherwise you are guaranteed a relapse of the disease.
Sometimes the reason lies in vascular problems and metabolic disorders. What to do if itching occurs due to varicose veins in the legs? In this case, it is necessary to seek help from a specialist, as well as in the case of detection of serious diseases that cause itching, for example, such as diabetes, liver disease, mental disorders, etc. Without treatment for the underlying disease, the fight against itching is doomed to be unsuccessful.
In order to encounter this unpleasant symptom as rarely as possible, you need to monitor your health, promptly treat chronic diseases and periodically undergo preventive examinations.
In addition, you should be more responsible and careful in choosing the products that make up your diet, so as not to provoke the development of allergic reactions.
The use of household chemicals, namely shower gels, should be rational, and it is better to purchase clothes and shoes from natural materials.
Under no circumstances should you use personal hygiene products, underwear and shoes of another person, as this risks becoming infected not only with fungal diseases, but also with severe infectious diseases.
Itching is a completely common phenomenon, occurring from time to time in every living creature. The skin reacts to external irritants in this way. But if the itching becomes obsessive, and you want to itch almost constantly, you should think about the causes of this pathology; most likely, a certain kind of problem has appeared in the body.
Discomfort caused by itching of the lower extremities also becomes a consequence of internal processes, which we will dwell on in more detail. We will try to find out the causes and methods of eliminating such conditions.
Often, the fact that the skin on the legs itches can be explained by reasons that are absolutely harmless to human health and life. Most often, itching is temporary and quickly disappears after the irritant that caused it disappears.
Perhaps this is the most common pathology, which results in skin rashes, itching and redness. The most well-known condition is dermatitis. Its main features may be:
Dermatitis can be a consequence of stress or genetic predisposition. It can be provoked by factors of various origins:
In addition, acidic or alkaline compounds, temperature changes, and some plants can cause skin disease.
Perhaps the most unpleasant pathological condition of the skin, which can be accompanied by itchy feet.
This insidious disease is characterized by a chronic course and non-infectious etiology.
It most often appears in the form of scaly rashes on the skin, unbearably itchy and increasing in size.
Another common reason for itchy lower legs. An exacerbation may occur due to a decrease in the functionality of the body's immune system. It is impossible to list all the allergens that can cause itching; there are a lot of them. Irritants can be divided into the following groups:
Reacting to the irritant, the skin becomes covered with a rash - hives. After some time, individual pimples merge into a single hyperemic area, which can occupy a large area, causing unbearable suffering to a person.
It is no secret that varicose veins appear on the legs, and below the knees.
The cause of this condition is usually a failure of venous outflow, which in turn provokes trophic changes.
Such processes most often occur in people older than middle age and are characterized by itching and painful sensations when touching the affected area.
Another disease, a constant symptom of which is an itchy skin surface. The skin can itch absolutely everywhere, this does not only apply to the lower extremities.
In addition, the distinctive features of the pathological process are:
Wounds can form from light contact with a foreign body.
Pathological conditions in this group are also accompanied by skin rash.
As a result of irritation, the calves of the legs, the skin in the right hypochondrium and other places affected by rashes itch.
Renal and liver pathologies are characterized by a feeling of bitterness in the mouth, general weakness and vascular network.
These were large groups of pathologies, one of the symptoms of which is skin itching. Also worth mentioning:
Itching of the extremities can begin as a result of stress, nervous experiences, exacerbation of phobias and prolonged depressive states. Disorders that are psychosomatic in nature are a response from the body to an emotional overload that has occurred. Itching usually appears as soon as the problems are resolved.
Depending on the nature of the pathological process that caused itching of the legs below the knees, the doctor will select a course of therapeutic measures to eliminate the disease.
Drug therapy can be based on taking the following groups of drugs:
Insulin and other drugs that lower blood glucose levels are used to treat diabetes mellitus.
Hepatoprotectors are used to improve liver function. They promote the restoration of liver cells and protect them from pathological influences.
Antihelminthic medications will help against helminthiasis, and itching caused by nervousness can be eliminated by taking antidepressants.
In addition, physiotherapeutic procedures, a therapeutic diet and medicinal lotions are prescribed. There may be a need for psychological rehabilitation.
Physiotherapy is used to treat dermatitis if the patient has no contraindications, and some procedures are completely prohibited for inflammation of the skin. The doctor may suggest:
Such methods are most effective in the fight against psoriatic rashes, varicose veins and diabetes.
To help yourself relieve itching, you can use the following tips:
Itching on the arms and legs causes a lot of inconvenience, as it prevents you from fully enjoying life. In addition, it is the first sign of serious illness, so when it first appears, it is necessary to consult a specialist as soon as possible. After the occurrence of this condition, many people immediately look for the reasons for its appearance and what methods of effective treatment are carried out.
Itching of the extremities can have a wide variety of causes, which may be harmless, for example, excessive dryness of the skin, frequent washing of dishes. It may also signal serious health problems. The most common causes of irritation include:
It is impossible to independently determine the cause of itching, since the symptoms are often similar and only a specialist can distinguish its subtlety.
When itching appears on the palms, then most likely the fault lies only with the substance with which the hands came into contact. Most often these are creams and detergents. If the culprit of allergic manifestations is animals, strong odors, dust, food products, then the whole body will itch. With this symptom, you need to observe yourself and find out the cause of the discomfort. When the condition is caused by an external irritant, you should replace the cream, soap, use gloves for work, and maintain skin moisture.
Often, damage to internal organs affects the condition of the skin of the legs and arms. If the pathology affects the liver, kidneys, and biliary tract, then toxic substances enter the bloodstream, and nerve receptors are irritated, causing irritation. Also, this symptom can often indicate the development of diabetes mellitus, which leads to skin thinning. In addition, with diabetes there is constant dryness of the extremities. Increased sugar leads dry and thin skin into a hypersensitive state, as a result of which the nerve endings irritate the skin.
The same symptoms also develop with pathology of the digestive system, most often due to instability of intestinal functioning. Usually, malfunctions in the intestines lead to constipation, while the release of toxins into the body increases, which leads to itching. Often this symptom manifests itself as a result of age-related changes, which are facilitated by hormonal imbalances.
Often, a skin infection causes irritation, especially the feet, since they are most susceptible to the influence of the fungus. The infection also often affects the hands and wrist. Since the fungus rapidly spreads throughout the body, it is necessary to contact a specialist at the first sign. When the lesion concerns the back, elbows, wrists, then we can assume lichen. If the irritation has spread to the space between the fingers, and the itching bothers you at night, and ulcers form, then it may be a scabies mite, which requires constant monitoring by a specialist and drug therapy.
This disease can manifest itself in eczema, which is formed due to chronic inflammation of the skin. Inflammation leads to the formation of blisters, which burst and cause itching. Most often, this disease affects the legs and elbows. For this disease, a mandatory consultation with a specialist is necessary who will prescribe effective treatment. In addition, to make you feel better, you should stick to a diet and try to avoid stressful situations.
This symptomatology can develop with psoriasis, which is characterized by the formation of rough plaques that crack over time. The onset of the disease develops on the extremities, then moves to the back, face, elbows, and knees. Red spots form on the patient’s body, visually similar to a painful rash and swelling. With this disease, it is necessary to follow the doctor’s recommendations, adhere to a strict diet, and avoid stress.
To eliminate itching you need to take a comprehensive approach to the issue. One aspect of this approach is nutritional adjustment. It is necessary to completely eliminate the consumption of fatty, fried, spicy, and sweet foods. Also, do not drink strong tea, coffee, or carbonated drinks. If itching is associated with exposure to allergens, then it is necessary to exclude contact with them. In everyday life, use special anti-allergic substances that can eliminate the aggressive effects of allergens.
If itching has developed from insect bites, then to eliminate it you should use ointments prepared on the basis of essential oils, mint or parsley juice. When itching is caused by a malfunction of internal organs, you need to adhere to a strict diet and take medications that help remove toxins from the body. If discomfort develops due to infection, then the patient can be dangerous to others. He requires isolation and immediate treatment. To eliminate the consequences caused by mental instability, it is necessary to take sedatives.
You can eliminate itching of the extremities in very simple ways. Do not scratch the affected area, as this can only worsen the condition by causing infection. If a person is worried about irritation, then you can carefully care for your nails or wear gloves at night to avoid scratching.
If you are prone to skin irritation, it is recommended to use humidifiers in the house and try to avoid dry and hot air.
A warm bath with soda and oat milk added to it can eliminate itching. An important condition for taking a bath is the absence of hot temperatures, since they can dry out the skin. After the bath, you need to apply moisturizer to your skin.
The use of natural fibers will help prevent skin irritation. People with hypersensitive skin should not wear clothes made from synthetic fabrics.
Treatment of itching directly depends on the cause of the disease. Of course, there are general recommendations to alleviate the condition. Typically, a specialist prescribes antihistamines and calcium supplements. If an elderly person suffers from itching, then he is prescribed iodine and sedatives. After determining the cause of the disease, in the absence of contraindications, a soothing bath with string, oak bark, and oregano is prescribed. Moreover, the water temperature should be no more than 37 degrees. You can also wipe the skin with calendula infusion and lubricate it with antihistamine creams. If the itching is severe, hormone therapy may be needed.
Traditional medicine helps to effectively eliminate irritation. However, it should be used only after consultation with a doctor and in conjunction with traditional therapy.
The listed folk recipes, to enhance the effect, can be taken in combination with soothing baths.
In order to prevent the development of irritation and itching, you need to follow these simple recommendations:
If itching of the extremities occurs, you should definitely consult a specialist, since finding out the cause of the disease will help get rid of this discomfort.
Modern medicine suggests several classifications of itching. According to the most popular, it is divided into:
In this case, itching can be acute or chronic.
Whatever one may say, in most cases itching causes a lot of inconvenience and discomfort. It is impossible and sometimes dangerous to ignore it for a long time.
Generalized itching. In 80-90 percent of cases it is evidence of individual diseases of organs and their systems. The most common problem is a banal allergy, but other diseases that affect the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and thyroid gland are also possible.
Localized itching. Occurs when there are disturbances in the functioning of the digestive system, increased levels of glucose in the blood, vascular diseases, sexually transmitted diseases, and helminthic infestations. Quite often, itching in certain areas of the body is caused by skin diseases such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.
Itching on the body is not always an alarm signal and indicates the presence of serious diseases. Thus, itching can occur as a reaction to taking medications or exotic products, with disturbances in the functioning of the sweat glands, or prolonged exposure to the sun or cold.
Medicine knows for sure that itching on the body can occur with a huge number of various diseases. For this reason, the diagnostic procedure is a rather difficult and lengthy process. If such a problem occurs, you should consult a doctor. Ideally, see a dermatologist. In the vast majority of cases, it is he who is involved in diagnosing the unpleasant phenomenon and finding out its root causes.
Human skin contains a large number of nerve endings that perceive the slightest irritation (tactile touch, vibration, etc.). During contact with an irritant (a chemical substance crawling on the body), itching occurs at the site of contact. It manifests itself as an unbearable desire to “tear” the area of skin where contact with the irritant occurred.
Under such circumstances, a special substance called histamine is released in the skin. It is this that causes discomfort on the surface of the skin and provokes itching.
Here, first of all, we are talking about diseases of the liver and biliary tract. With the above ailments, an impressive amount of bilirubin and so-called bile acids are deposited in the skin. It is they who act as irritants and make a person suffer from itchy sensations in different parts of the body.
Here, first of all, it is worth remembering about sexually transmitted diseases, which affect both the male and female body. In addition, itching in the genital area of the fair half of humanity occurs when the normal microflora of the vagina is disrupted (growth of opportunistic bacteria is observed), colpitis, and hormonal imbalances.
A common disease is associated with an uncontrolled increase in the amount of glucose in the blood, which negatively affects the protective functions of the body. As a result, we have such a situation as reduced immunity (read also - how to increase immunity). Quite often this leads to the development of candidiasis (the spread of yeast). It is he who is the “culprit” of unpleasant sensations in the genital area
What else causes itching of the limbs and other parts of the body?
As a rule, it is caused by fungal diseases or problems in the vascular system.
During the period of bearing a child, women quite often complain of itching in different parts of the body (in the abdomen or back) or itching all over the body. In the vast majority of cases, it occurs in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy.
Water procedures and showers refresh, give a charge of vigor and strength. But in some cases they cause such an unpleasant phenomenon as itchy skin. You can get rid of the problem by identifying the root cause.
When to see a doctor:
If local or general itching appears, you should not put off visiting a dermatologist, who will conduct a comprehensive examination, determine the cause of the itching and give recommendations for treatment and prevention.
In addition to medical history and direct examination, most patients are prescribed a targeted individual examination program , which may include:
Tests and other research methods make it possible to determine the presence of an inflammatory process, allergic reactions, elevated blood glucose levels, identify disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract, endocrine system, liver and biliary tract, as well as assess the general condition of the body and establish possible causes of itchy skin. In some cases, if the doctor has more serious suspicions, the patient may be prescribed a study using tumor markers.
If itching occurs, special attention should be paid to hygiene. For generalized itching, it is recommended to wipe the skin with a vinegar solution or talc-based solutions. For local itching in the genital area, washing (2 times a day) with warm water and soap will help.
Pharmacy ointments will help relieve discomfort associated with itching.
Most often, itchy skin is caused by an increase in the level of histamine in the skin. In order to reduce its concentration, the attending physician may prescribe drugs belonging to the category of antihistamines.
If the body reacts momentarily to an irritant (for example, an insect bite), it is enough to take one dose of the drug. If the problem persists, the doctor determines the dosage and time of treatment.
In case of unbearable itching, the following will come to the rescue:
To reduce the severity of itching, it is recommended to wear clothes and underwear made from natural materials. Synthetics for itching – taboo! When bathing, you should use cosmetics with a minimum amount of additives and fragrances. The ideal option is baby soap, shampoo, lotion. After a shower, it is recommended to apply moisturizing cosmetics to the skin.
Quite often, certain foods are the cause of itching sensations. Eating them leads to unpleasant sensations in various parts of the body. To reduce the severity of itching, it is recommended to limit the consumption of fatty and spicy foods, as well as allergenic foods (citrus fruits, chocolate, alcoholic beverages). Products that you should focus on in your diet are cereals, fermented milk products, lean meats, and vegetables.
Of course, this is just an approximate daily diet, which can be modified depending on your wishes and taste preferences.
Why do people itch? Itching, what is it like? Effective methods of treatment and prevention. Answers to these and other questions in a short video review.
Treatment is necessary - itchy skin can lead to thinning of the skin, as well as various damage to the epidermis. A more dangerous situation is the addition of an infection. Therefore, in order to avoid more serious problems, you should promptly respond to your own body’s “alarm signals” and seek qualified medical help.